Students Protest at MIJ
An interesting dilemma has emerged at the Malawi Institute of Journalism (MIJ) this week as the results from last semester’s exams were posted. The 2009/2010 Assessment Policy at MIJ stipulates that...
View ArticleA Resourceful Bunch
“Is there anything further to discuss?” the Chairman of the editorial meeting asks. “Of course there is,” I think to myself. The conversation in the editorial board meeting follows a similar routine –...
View ArticleA God-Fearing Nation
Last week I narrowly escaped a deadly encounter with a minibus. The last words I would have read would have been “Fear God” in flashing blue on the hood of the car. Do you think it means something that...
View ArticleA New Rulebook
“1,500 kwacha,” says the man in the market as we examine a second-hand tank top, which he priced at $10 CAD. I’ve avoided the market for most of my two months here, knowing that my bartering skills are...
View ArticleJournalists for Animal Rights?
“Stay away from dogs in Africa. They will bite you. You will get rabies. And you will die.” Sensible words of warning from Journalists for Human Rights’ travel doctor, appropriately named Dr. Wise....
View ArticleMedia Ethics in Malawi
“Is it true,” a journalism student asks me, “that if [a source] doesn’t want to comment we can say that we will just write whatever we want to?” In my first week at the Malawi Institute of Journalism...
View ArticleDesigner Brain Drain in Malawi
“Are you packing any heels?” my friend asked me months ago as I filled my suitcase for Malawi. The question was intended to be a joke. Of course I wasn’t packing heels, I was coming to Africa after...
View ArticleThe Future of Malawian Journalism
In an effort to relaunch the dormant online publication, The Weekend Express, at the Malawi Institute of Journalism (MIJ), jhr recently held an information session at the school to recruit a base of...
View ArticleLiving Without Water
I loathe the groaning echo that comes from my shower on the mornings we have no water. Having a shower is not longer predictable or convenient; the process relies on whether there is water or not. Last...
View ArticleDoes Size Really Matter?
“I like your shirt,” I say to a student after her visit to the jhr office at the Malawi Institute of Journalism. “Thanks,” she says with a smile as she leaves, “you are fat.” Later when the subject...
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